A renowned Newcastle pest, who has more than 230 offences to his name, was back in court after a two-year break.

Geoffrey Riley became the first man on Tyneside to be given a Criminal Behaviour Order, which lasted three years, back in 2015.

The 55-year-old then found himself in the dock on numerous occasions for breaching the order for his drunk or disorderly behaviour.

He last appeared in court in January 2018 for shouting abuse at members of the public and threatening to pull out a knife in Newcastle's West End.

Since then, Riley managed to keep himself out of trouble but he ended-up back in court this week after getting drunk and screaming obscenities in a garage forecourt.

Riley, of Bentinck Villas, Elswick , Newcastle, appeared at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court, where he pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly.

Prosecutor, James Long, said police had spoken to Riley about his behaviour earlier in the evening of October 11 before they were told by a member of public that he was shouting abuse in the Esso garage on the West Road.

"The defendant is in the middle of the forecourt stumbling around," added Mr Long. "He's waving his arms around and shouting obscenities in the direction of a member of staff in the store.

"The swearing goes on and he's warned about his conduct before he's arrested."

Neil Connell, defending, said Riley was a regular in court in the past but had managed to stay out of trouble since getting some permanent accommodation in a supported living facility and being treated for schizophrenia.

He added: "There has been a dramatic improvement in his personal circumstances."

Mr Connell said Riley had turned back to alcohol to deal with his mental health problems after the dosage of his medication was lowered.

Magistrates were impressed by Riley's progress and gave him a chance by giving him an absolute discharge.